Leicestershire Parish Councils

14th Century Blaby

The major part of the Church, in Early English style, was built c1327 when Hugh de Lodbroke was rector. There are remains of this building still to be seen, particularly in the lower part of the tower, the south wall, the south-east corner and the placina and sedilia in the sanctuary. The latter were sealed up at some stage in the Reformation but uncovered again during restoration work in 1902. The situation of the Chantry of St. Mary and St. John Evangelist in Blaby Church cannot be exactly ascertained, but there are indications which suggest its site at the eastern end of the south aisle where, high in the east wall on the inside, there are ogee arches over two deep set stone panels which may once have contained statues or windows. Another indication is the shape of a small built-up doorway, visible on the outside of the chancel wall. The small piscina in the south wall near this spot shows that an altar once stood near.
The population of Blaby in 1377 was 100 persons, and the roads or lanes, passing north and south and east and west through the village were established by then. The Abbot of Leicester was receiving a pension from the parish of 40 shillings.

15th Century Blaby

The 15th century saw the manor of Blaby passing from the Lodbrokes to the Saviles when the last heiress of the Lodbrokes was married to Thomas Savile. It also saw the building of the 'Bakers Arms'. This house for a long time past has been an inn, but it was built as the house of a wealthy yeoman.